Container for a stack of interfolded tissue sheets

ABSTRACT

A container for a stack of connected tissue-sheets has a generally planar top wall, a bottom wall and side walls connecting the bottom wall with the top wall and an opening provided in at least the top wall. The stack is placed in the container with at least a pair of edges of a lowermost tissue-sheet placed on the bottom wall and an uppermost tissue-sheet placed near or in contact with the top wall and adjacent to the opening, which is provided with elongated, overlapping projections extending from opposite sides thereof. Each projection has a tip terminating the projection before an edge of an opposing side of the opening, and the tips of adjacent projections extend past each other both in an inactive position, wherein all projections are placed in the same or in parallel planes, and in an active dispensing position, wherein the projections are turned upwards.

TECHNICAL AREA

The invention pertains to a stack of interfolded tissue-sheets packed ina container, said container having a generally planar bottom wall and atop wall and side walls connecting the bottom wall with the top wall andan opening provided in at least one wall for the removal of saidtissue-sheets from the container, said stack of interfoldedtissue-sheets being placed in said container with at least the edges ofa lowermost tissue-sheet placed on the bottom wall and an uppermosttissue-sheet placed near or in contact with the top wall and adjacent tothe opening in the top wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soft tissue sheets such as facial tissue sheets are commonly offered asa stack of tissue sheets packed in a dispensing box. The dispensing boxhas an opening through which the user pulls the tissue sheets. In orderto facilitate the removal of the tissue sheets from the dispensing box,the tissue sheets are interfolded, which means that the tissue sheetsare folded into one-another, so that they form a chain of tissue sheetsbeing interconnected by folded portions. In this manner, when removingthe top tissue sheet from the stack of tissue sheets and pulling thetissue sheet completely through the dispensing opening in the dispensingbox, the pulled-out tissue sheet will automatically bring a portion ofthe next tissue sheet in the stack out through the opening therebymaking it readily available for gripping and removing from thedispensing box. The praxis of interfolding tissue sheets in this manneris a convenient way of ascertaining that all of the tissue sheets can beeasily removed from the container. There are many types of interfolding,e.g. Z-folding, but neither the type of interfolding, nor the type oftissue is important to the invention.

A dispenser of this type is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,053,357 (YOH),which discloses a box with a dispensing opening having a curvilinear or“S”-shape. The opening facilitates the dispensing of interfolded tissuesfrom a box by fixing the top sheet in a position extending out throughthe opening, where it is readily accessible to a user.

The European patent application EP 00203753.9 discloses a box fordispensing a flat tissue sheet from the stack of tissue sheets. Todispense a flat tissue sheet it is necessary to have a wider opening inthe box. Although a wider opening in the box solves the problem withtissues being wrinkled as they are pulled out of the box, it creates afurther problem with tissues falling back into the box where they areinaccessible for the user. This problem is solved by providing theopening with opposing projections which supports the flat tissue sheetin a presentation position.

However, in the case of soft facial tissues, handkerchiefs and tissuesmade from a relatively thin material, the arrangement of opposingprojections is not sufficient to keep a tissue in an upward presentationposition. A standard box for dispensing tissues of this type is usuallyprovided with an opening having an extension in the direction of themain axis of the box. After opening the dispensing box, which basicallymeans exposing the opening in the box, the user must try and get a gripon the first tissue sheet in order to remove it. After a tissue has beenremoved, the uppermost tissue is usually wrinkled is a random fashionwhen it is presented to the user through the opening in the box. Thereason for this is that the width of the tissue is broader than theopening in the box, in order to fix the tissue in a position ready touse. At the same time the random presentation position often makes itdifficult to get a good grip on the tissue or to grip the edge of thetissue being presented.

Hence, there exists a great need of improving the dispensing of softtissue sheets from a stack of tissue sheets, which are packed in adispensing box.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers a simple and expedient means of solving theproblem of dispensing a soft tissue sheet from a stack of interfoldedtissue sheets which are packed in a container having a dispensingopening. In a preferred embodiment, the opening is narrower than thewidth of said tissue sheets. The invention will, however, also beapplicable for openings of equal or wider width than the width of thetissue sheets.

In accordance with the invention the dispensing opening is provided withmeans for presenting a tissue blocked in a fixed position, with acontrolled wrinkled configuration. This allows the user to pull thepresented tissue out flat from the controlled wrinkled position in whichit is held by the presenting means. The presented tissue may be a singlesheet, or may itself have additional folding.

The means for presenting the tissue is preferably in the form of anumber of elongated projections or fingers extending from opposite sidesof the dispensing opening of the box. The dispensing opening ispreferably, but not necessarily, located in the top wall of the box. Inorder to fix a tissue in position the fingers are overlapping byextending between each other. In the following text, the term“overlapping” is used in the context of projections or fingers extendingfrom opposite directions, placed adjacent and in between each other, asseen in the plane of the top wall. Similarly, the term “opening” isassumed to encompass the general area delimited by any cut-out sections,projections, folding lines and perforated edges in the top wall.

In order to hold a tissue in a dispensing position, each projection hasa tip terminating the projection before an edge of an opposing side ofthe opening, and the tips of adjacent projections extend past each otherboth in an inactive position, wherein all projections are placed in thesame or in parallel planes, and in an active dispensing position,wherein the projections are raised upwards to grip a tissue

As the box is opened the fingers are initially arranged in substantiallythe same plane, or in adjacent parallel planes, until the first tissuehas been extracted through the dispensing opening. The fingers may beattached to the underside of the top wall of the box, on opposite sidesof the opening. It is also possible to integrate them into the top wallitself, e.g. by making the fingers part of the top wall. This can bedone by making a blank having a complete set of fingers punched or cutin a single wall, or two sets of opposing fingers punched or cut inseparate walls which will overlap when the box is assembled. Thestiffness and/or the point where the fingers are intended to bend iscontrolled by a folding line at or near the base of the fingers. Thefolding line is preferably, but not necessarily, made by some form ofembossing operation. The embossed lines can be made at the same time asthe fingers are cut, or in a subsequent operation.

When the first tissue is being pulled out through the opening, thefingers will be raised upwards by the tissue on either side thereof. Thepulled-out tissue will automatically bring a portion of the next tissueout through the opening, where it will pass between the fingers. As thefirst tissue is removed, the following tissue will be held in positionand prevented from falling back into the box by the gripping action ofthe opposing fingers. The fingers must be sufficiently flexible to allowa tissue to be pulled out, while at the same time being sufficientlystiff to retain the tissue and prevent it from falling back into thebox. In their active position the fingers extend upwards, with the tipsof adjacent opposing fingers extending between and past each other. Thiscauses the tissue to be presented to wrinkle in a controlled manner, asit is shaped by the fingers while being pulled from the box. Adjacentprojections can impart a substantially sinusoidal cross-sectional shapeto the tissue in the region of the tips. Accordingly, the thickness andstiffness of a plastic film, cardboard or other suitable material, usedfor the fingers must be selected to match the softness and materialproperties of the tissue.

The sides of the fingers or projections may either be parallel ortapering towards their tips. In the case of projections with parallelsides, a maximum width is determined by the desired stiffness of theprojections. Similarly, a maximum angle enclosed by two sides of atapering projection is also determined by the desired stiffness.Obviously, an increased width or enclosed angle will give the projectionboth a reduced flexibility along its length, as well as an increasedstiffness in the region of a folding line at or near the base of theprojection.

The overlapping fingers or projections may be arranged extending fromopposite sides of the opening, past and with their main axes at an anglerelative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening. The fingers onthe same side of the opening can be angled in the same direction or beangled away from each other on either side of a central, transverseplane through the middle of the opening. This first angle of the fingersmay be constant or increase/decrease with the distance from saidtransverse plane.

In a preferred embodiment the fingers are angled between 60° and 90°relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening.

In a further preferred embodiment the fingers are positioned at rightangles relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening.

In the above cases, said first angle of the fingers is defined as theangle between the longitudinal axis of the opening and a main axis, orcentreline, through the finger or projection. Also, all angles referredto are taken in the inactive position of the fingers or projections,unless otherwise specified.

In order to avoid interference between pairs of adjacent projections orfingers, it is important that they do not come into contact with eachother when raised to their active, dispensing, positions. The purpose ofthe projections is to achieve a controlled wrinkling of a tissue sheetto be dispensed, whereby the tissue sheet itself is supported by theindividual projections without any assistance from a gripping actionbetween adjacent projections.

For projections or fingers positioned at right angles relative to themain longitudinal axis of the opening, whether their sides are parallelor tapered, the desired function may achieved by means of a folding lineeither parallel to said longitudinal axis or following the general edgeof the opening, as long as the angle between the main axis of eachfinger and the folding line fulfils certain conditions (see below). Suchfingers or projections can be identified by the fact that aperpendicular line through the longitudinal axis at the point where theedges of a pair of adjacent fingers cross said axis will not intersectsaid fingers. In other words, said perpendicular line will cross theouter edge of each finger only once.

However, fingers or projections with their main axes angled relative tothe main longitudinal axis of the box may risk interference when raisedto the dispensing position. Such fingers or projections can beidentified by the fact that a perpendicular line through thelongitudinal axis at the point where a the edges of a pair of adjacentfingers cross said axis will intersect said fingers. In other words,said perpendicular line will cross the outer edge of each finger morethan once. In such cases the angle of the folding line with respect tothe main axis of the finger may need to be adjusted.

In the latter case, the folding line, which determines where each fingeror projection folds, should be positioned at an angle which is at ornear right angles to the main axis of the respective finger orprojection. This angle may vary, from being at or near right angles themain axis of a finger to being at or near right angles to a tangent tothe edges of the finger and an adjacent finger at a common line or pointof contact in the region of the area where the tangent intersects thelongitudinal axis of the opening. Hence, the range within which saidangle may vary is substantially equal to the difference between theangle of the finger or projection and the angle of said tangent withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the opening. By definition thisrange can vary from a minimum value of 0°, for fingers with paralleledges, to a maximum value as said tangent approaches an angle of 90° tothe longitudinal axis of the opening. The range must be determined foreach individual finger, which will be described in detail below.

Using fingers or projections having said first angles less than said 60°may be possible. However, due to side forces imposed on the fingers by atissue sheet being pulled from the box, interference between adjacentfingers may occur even if the above conditions are met.

Apart from the positioning of the folding lines, the risk ofinterference between adjacent opposing projections can also be reducedby a number of other factors. One such factor is the enclosed angle of atapering projection, whereby an increased enclosed angle will increasethe space between projections in their active positions and reduce therisk of interference. Using a double, spaced cut or punched line betweenadjacent projections will give the same effect for tapered as well asfor straight projections having parallel edges.

According to a further embodiment, the above folding lines may bereplaced by folding areas. Whereas a folding line has a very limitedextent in its transverse direction, a folding area will extend a shortdistance in the general direction of the projection or finger. Saidfolding area defines an area within which a projection may flex whensubjected to a force. However, such areas will also have a generalcontrolled direction of folding, in the same way as an embossed foldingline. The above angles defining how a projection should bend or flexwill therefore apply to folding areas in a similar way. A folding areacan be achieved by embossing, or some other mechanical pressingoperation, resulting in an area having a number of desired mechanical anresilient properties.

According to a further embodiment, all fingers are made as a part of thetop wall, whereby the fingers are defined by a single punched or cutline through said top wall. This line is continuous and defines theoutline of all projections and openings or removable cut-outs in saidwall. The cut line will need to be broken intermittently in order tokeep cut-out sections, etc., in position until they are removed. In thiscase parts of the opening is also defined by a number of embossedfolding lines at or near the base of the fingers. This embossing can beused to control the stiffness of the fingers.

According to a further embodiment, the container is provided with twosets of opposing fingers, wherein each set of fingers is placed separatebut adjacent planes. In this case the container is erected from a blankfolded to give a top wall having two layers. A first set of fingers arepart of an upper top wall and that a second set of fingers, opposingsaid first set, are part of a lower top wall. Both the first and secondsets of fingers are defined by a single cut line through theirrespective top wall, which line has been cut in the blank prior theassembly of the box. The upper top wall may have a removable coversection, which corresponds to the shape of the set of fingers in thelower top wall and which has been cut or punched in the upper top wall.This cover section is removed by the user when the container is firstopened, in order to expose the second set of fingers and theirassociated folding lines in the lower top wall.

According to an alternative embodiment of the above container, both setsof fingers and their associated embossed folding lines are part of saidlower top wall, while the upper top wall is provided with a coversection. This cover section has the same general shape as the embossedfolding lines in the lower top wall, but is slightly larger and isperforated around its circumference. In order to open the container, thecover section is torn of to expose the fingers and the embossed foldinglines in the lower wall.

According to a further embodiment, all fingers or projections areprovided as a cut or punched line in an insert attached to the undersideof the top wall. In this case the opening has been cut directly in saidtop wall. The top wall may include a cover section integrated with saidtop wall. The cover section has a perforated line around its peripheryand is removed when the box is opened, in order create an opening thatexposes the fingers and their folding lines.

According to a final embodiment, the edge of an opening in the top wallmay fulfil the function of the embossed folding lines. In this way thestiffness and point of bending of the fingers would be determined by theposition of the edge of the opening itself.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The invention will in the following be described in greater detail, withreference to the figures which are shown on the appended drawings. Inthe drawings:

FIG. 1A shows a box containing a stack of tissues in accordance with afirst embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows an unopened box containing a stack of tissues inaccordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1C shows an opened box containing a stack of tissues in accordancewith a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a box according to the first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a box containing a stack of tissues inaccordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a box according to a first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4B shows a plan view of a box according to a second embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4C shows a plan view of a box according to a third embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 4D shows a plan view of a box according to a fourth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a box containing a stack of tissues inaccordance with the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a blank according to the first embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a blank according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a blank according to the third embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9A shows a plan view of a first type of projections;

FIG. 9B shows a plan view of a second type of projections;

FIG. 9C shows a plan view of a third type of projections;

FIG. 9D shows a plan view of a fourth type of projections;

These drawings are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. They donot limit the scope of the invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a generally rectangular paperboard dispensing box Bcontaining a stack of interfolded tissue-sheets. By interfolding, allthe tissue-sheets in the stack are mechanically connected to each otherin a continuous, loosely connected band of individual tissue-sheets. Thepaperboard box has a top wall 1, a bottom wall 2, two long side walls 3,4 and two short side walls 5, 6. The short side walls 5, 6 are each madeup of four individual flaps 5 a, 5 b, 5 c, 5 d and 6 a, 6 b, 6 c, 6 d(not shown). Each flap is part of the respective top and bottom wallsand the long side walls, and extend from the shorter side edge of saidwalls. When a pre-cut blank is erected to form a container, the flapsare folded to make side walls in a conventional manner. The stack oftissue-sheets rests with a lower-most tissue-sheet on the inner surfaceof the bottom wall 2 and has a height substantially corresponding to theheight of the box B, that is, to the height of the side walls 3–6. It isto be understood, that the height of the stack of tissue-sheets is to acertain degree determined by the height of the box. The interfoldedtissue-sheets are highly compressible and are usually, but notnecessarily, compressed before being placed in the box, so that asufficient amount of tissue-sheets can be accommodated in the box. FIG.3 shows a cross-section of such a box containing a stack of tissues T.

The box B is provided with an opening 10 in the top wall 1. The opening10 is arranged generally centrally in the top wall 5 and extendsparallel to the first and second long side walls 3, 4. Extending fromthe sides of said opening 10 are two sets of opposed projections 11, 12.FIG. 1 shows an arrangement with two sets of four projections, of whichonly one set is visible. The function of these projections will bedescribed in detail below. The opening 10 has a generally offset ovalshape with a central opening 13, rounded ends 14, 15 and slightlyoutwardly curved side edges, so that the opening 10 is wider at acentral portion than at the ends. The opening will be described infurther detail below. Before use of the box of tissue-sheets, theopening 10 is commonly protected by a cover. Usually the protectivecover is made of the same paperboard material as the box itself, and issimply a portion of the top wall 1, which can be torn away along aperforated line in the top wall 1. However other protective devices suchas separate pieces of paper, paperboard, plastic film, and the like canbe envisaged. Moreover, the box can be provided with a permanentlyattached or removable regular lid which is opened to expose the openingin the top wall 1 and which, optionally, can be re-closed. Such a lidmay cover all or part of the top wall 1. When in use, the uppermosttissue T₁ is gripped by the projections in a dispensing position.

FIG. 1B shows an unopened box with the opposed sets of projections 11,12 in their inactive positions. FIG. 1C illustrates an opened box withthe projections in their active positions. This figure is identical toFIG. 1A, but shown without a tissue sheet to obstruct the view of theopposing set of projections.

Moreover, the opening 10 in the top wall 1 need not have the describedoval shape. Hence, rectangular openings, circular openings or openingshaving irregular shapes are contemplated within the scope of theinvention. The exact shape of the opening can be altered to give theprojections the properties required by the type of tissue to bedispensed. Common for the openings, however, is that they extendsubstantially along a central longitudinal axis X across the top wall,as indicated in FIG. 2. The opening is either inversely symmetrical, asseen in FIG. 2, or symmetrical on both sides of a transverse axis Ythrough the box. The length L₁ of the opening in the longitudinaldirection of the box is preferably, but not necessarily, shorter thanthe length L₂ of the box.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the opening is provided with anumber of positioning means in the shape of projections or fingers toprevent the soft and pliable tissue from falling back into the box. Theprojections extend from opposite directions of the opening, and areplaced adjacent or in between each other, as seen in the plane of thetop wall. This can be seen in FIG. 2, which shows a plan view of a boxwith its projections in flat, non-active positions, and in FIG. 3,showing the projections lying in the same plane as the top wall. Thetips of the adjacent projections extend past each other both in theiractive and their non-active positions. The base of each projection, asdefined by an interpolated line or curve connecting the tips of each setof opposing projections, defines the opening 10. An embossed foldingline is provided at or near the base of each projection, in the vicinityof said interpolated line. The folding lines 10 a, 10 b determine theposition where each projection will bend. In the preferred embodiment,the projections 11′–11 ^(iv); 12′–12 ^(iv) are slightly tapering towardstheir tips. The tips of the projections are preferably rounded, but canbe given any suitable shape within the scope of the invention.

According to an alternative embodiment, the projections may also have aconstant width along a major part of their length.

As can be seen from FIG. 2, the overlapping projections 11′–11 ^(iv);12′–12 ^(iv) are arranged extending from opposite sides of the opening,past and at an angle α relative to the main longitudinal axis X of theopening. The angle α is measured between said longitudinal axis X andthe centreline or main axis P of each projection The projections on thesame side of the opening are angled in the same direction on either sideof a central, transverse plane Y through the middle of the opening. Inthis embodiment the angle α of the projections is the same throughoutfor all projections 11′–11 ^(iv); 12′–12 ^(iv) on both sides of theopening.

In a preferred embodiment the projections are arranged at an angle αbetween 80° and 90° relative to a centreline or main axis P of eachprojection and the main longitudinal axis X of the opening.

In a further preferred embodiment the projections are positioned withtheir centrelines at right angles relative to the main longitudinal axisX of the opening 10.

It is also possible to allow the angle α to decrease with the distancefrom said transverse plane Y. According to this embodiment, the angle αcould decrease from 90°, or near 90°, towards 80°.This would of coursegive each consecutive finger a different tapering shape. In a furtherembodiment, the projections may be angled symmetrically away from eachother on either side of the transverse plane Y, with a constant angle α.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the overlapping projections in theirinitial, inactive position, before the first tissue-sheet has beenpulled out of the box. In this case the positioning means comprises twosets of projections 11′, 11″, 11″′, 11 ^(iv); 12′, 12″, 12″′, 12 ^(iv)placed opposite each other on either side of the opening 10. As can beseen from FIG. 2, the uppermost tissue-sheet can be accessed through acut-out in the shape of a central opening 13 between the two oppositeedges of the opening 10 and the two projections 11″′ and 12″′ nearestthe central transverse axis Y. On either side of this central opening,the projections are positioned at a predetermined angle α relative tothe longitudinal axis X. Similarly, a pair of cut-outs 14, 15 areprovided at either end of the opening 10, between its ends and theoutermost projections 11′, 12′. The above cut-outs 13, 14, 15 will beremoved as a user opens the box to expose the projections.

The removal of said cut-outs can be achieved by attaching them to theunderside of a cardboard or plastic sheet covering the opening itself,or a lid covering the entire top wall.

The example shown in FIG. 2 discloses an embodiment with fourprojections extending from each side of the opening. It is of coursepossible to vary the number of projections within the scope of theinvention. As well as providing an even or an odd number of projectionson either side of the transverse axis Y, the number of projections oneach side of the opening may be varied from two up to e.g. six. Largernumbers are possible, but not practical due to the length of the openingrequired by an increased number of projections.

The embodiment of FIG. 2 also shows projections 11′, 11″; 11″′, 11^(iv); 12′, 12″; 12″′, 12 ^(iv) which are gradually shortened in thedirection away from the central opening 13. This is due to thesubstantially oval shape of the opening 10, which requires the length ofeach subsequent projection to be shorter to conform to the shape of theopening, or in this case the embossed folding lines 10 a, 10 brepresenting the edge of the opening 10. As stated above, these foldinglines determine where the fingers will bend, as they are raised to theirdispensing positions.

Within the scope of the invention it is of course also possible to varythe length of the projections in the opposite direction, or to useprojections having a constant length. Such variations can also be madedepending on the shape of the opening 10 itself, which shape may bevaried freely within the scope of the invention. Examples of suchembodiments will be described in connection with FIGS. 4 b and 4 cbelow.

Furthermore, a pre-cut cardboard blank that can be erected to form a boxaccording to FIG. 2, is shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section through the box as shown in FIG. 2, at thetransverse axis Y. This figure shows the top wall 1, bottom wall 2 andthe two log side walls 3, 4 enclosing a stack of tissues T. In this casethe top wall 1 comprises a single layer of cardboard, into which theline defining the projections has been cut. In this case the opening 10would be defined by an embossed folding line 10 a, 10 b extending aroundthe cut line defining the projections at the base of each projection.

The active position of the projections is indicated with dotted lines inFIG. 3. For clarity, only the first pair of projections 11″, 12″′ areshown along with an indication of the presented uppermost tissue T₁. Inaddition, the figure shows how the bottom wall 2 and one side wall 3 areattached together by means of a longitudinal, narrow flap 7 joined tosaid bottom wall 2.

FIG. 4 a shows a plan view of the overlapping projections in thesubsequent, active position, after the first tissue-sheet has beenpulled out of the box. When the first tissue is pulled up between theprojections, they will flex and be raised upwards by the tissue. As thefirst tissue is removed from the box, the subsequent uppermost tissuewill be pulled upwards into a dispensing position by the first tissuesheet.

Although the tissue sheets have the same width as the box, they can passthrough the narrower opening without touching or being obstructed by theends of the substantially oval opening 10. This is possible due to thecontrolled wrinkling effect of the projections on the tissue as it ispulled up between the projections. As the tissue is made from a thin,soft material, the resilient projections are able to assume aninterdigitated position with the tips of adjacent, opposing projections16′, 16″, 16″′, 16 ^(iv); 17′, 17″, 17″′, 17 ^(iv) extending past eachother. Each projection will flex upwards and bend around their embossedfolding lines 10 a, 10 b, indicated at the base of each projection. Thecentral and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 have been described in connectionwith FIG. 2. The wrinkling imparted on the tissue by the projections canbe described as substantially sinusoidal or wave-shaped in the region ofthe co-operating projections. Outside the outer projections and acrossthe central opening 13 the shape of the tissue may be more random, butwill still follow the general wave-shaped or partially sinusoidalcharacter of the tissue in the region of the co-operating projections.An example of how the tissue may be shaped in the vicinity of the tipsof the projections is indicated by a dotted line T_(X) in FIG. 4 a.Thewave-shape imparted to the tissue sheet by the projections enables it tostay in an upright dispensing position, in spite of the thin and flimsycharacter of the material in the tissue.

A cut cardboard blank that can be erected to form a box as according toFIG. 4 a, is shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 4 b shows a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.Although the shape of the projections shown in FIG. 4 b is the same asthose shown in FIG. 4 a, the box itself represents a further embodiment.This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5, which shows a cross-section ofthe box in the transverse plane Y. According to this embodiment, the topwall 1 comprises two layers in the form of an upper top wall 1 _(T),provided with a first set of projections 16′–16 ^(iv) and a lower topwall 1 _(B), provided with a second set of projections 17′–17 ^(iv).These walls would normally be attached to each other by means of anadhesive or glue, but for clarity the layers are shown slightlyseparated in FIG. 5. In its unopened condition, the box shown in FIG. 4b would have a cover section (see FIG. 7; “18”) covering the second setof projections 17′–17 ^(iv), the central cut-out 13 and the outercut-outs 14, 15 in cut the lower top wall 1 _(B). The box is opened bytearing off this cover section (not shown) is along a perforated line 10c, shown as a full line on the opened box in FIG. 4 b.This full linerepresents a remaining edge in the upper top wall 1 _(T) after theremoval of the cover section. The uppermost tissue sheet is thenavailable through the opening provided by the central cut-out 13. As inthe embodiment of FIG. 4 a, the projections are provided with embossedfolding lines 10 a, 10 b at the base of each projection.

A cut cardboard blank that can be erected to form a box as according toFIG. 4 b, is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 4 c shows a plan view of a further, third embodiment of theinvention, showing the overlapping, opposing projections in theirinactive positions. The projections 16′, 16″, 16″′, 16 ^(iv); 17′, 17″,17″′, 17 ^(iv) and the central and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 have beendescribed in connection with FIG. 2 above. The embodiment of FIG. 4 cdiffers from that of FIG. 4 a in that the upper wall 1 is made up of twolayers. The projections are placed in a lower layer, while an upperlayer is provided with a cover section (not shown). The cover section(see FIG. 8, “C”) is perforated around its outer periphery and isremoved by the user when the box is opened, in order to expose theprojections 16′, 16″, 16″′, 16 ^(iv); 17′, 17″, 17″′, 17 ^(iv) and theembossed folding lines 10 a, 10 b. The resulting opening in the upperlayer is therefore larger than that the area enclosed by the embossedfolding lines and has an edge 19 placed at a distance from said embossedfolding lines. A blank that can be erected to form such a container isshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 4 d shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the invention,showing the overlapping, opposing projections in their inactivepositions. The projections 20′, 20″, 20″′, 20 ^(iv); 21′, 21″, 21″′, 21^(iv) and the central and outer cut-outs 13, 14, 15 are part of aninsert N attached to the underside of the top wall 1. Similar to theembodiment described in connection with FIG. 4 c, the top wall 1 wouldbe provided with a cover section (not shown). The cover section has aperforated line 19 around its outer periphery, as in the embodiment ofFIG. 4 c.The cover is removed by the user when the box is opened, inorder to expose the projections 20′, 20″, 20″′, 20 ^(iv); 21′, 21″,21″′, 21 ^(iv) and the embossed folding lines 10 d, 10 e. As describedabove, all projections, cut-outs would be cut or punched as a singlecontinuous line. The insert would also be provided with folding linesembossed directly onto the insert. The insert itself is preferably madefrom a suitable plastic material.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of the box FIG. 4 b. The cross-sectionshows the lower top wall 1 _(B), which is connected to the first longside wall 3 and folded over the stack of tissues T. The upper top wall 1_(T), which is connected to the second long side wall 4 is folded overand attached to the lower top wall 1 _(B). A first set of projections16′–16 ^(iv) is part of he upper top wall 1 _(T) and extend from anembossed folding line defining the edge 10 a of the opening. This firstset of projections is defined by a cut line in the upper top wall 1_(T). A section of the upper top wall 1 _(T), containing an opposing setof projections, a central cut-out and a pair of outer cut-outs, is aremovable cover (see FIG. 7) having the same shape as a second set ofunderlying projections 17′–17 ^(iv) in the lower top wall 1 _(B). Whenthe box is first opened by a user, this cover is torn off along apartially cut and partially perforated line provided around its entireperiphery, in order to expose a second set of projections 17′–17 ^(iv).This second set of projections 17′–17 ^(iv) is defined by a cut line inthe lower top wall 1 _(B). Instead of using an embossed folding line,the edge of the opening 10 adjacent the base of the second projectionsis defined by a curved edge 10 c in the upper top wall 1 _(T) that isexposed when said cover is removed. For clarity, only projections 16″and 17″ are shown in FIG. 5.

A pre-cut blank for folding into a box similar to that shown in FIG. 4will be described in more detail below, in connection with FIG. 7.

The embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 2–5 show projectionsextending symmetrically across the top wall, wherein the sets ofopposing projections intersect at, or near, a vertical axis through thecentre of the box. However, within the scope of the invention it ispossible for the projections to intersect at a position removed fromsaid vertical axis. This can be achieved either by using sets ofprojections each having different properties, such as stiffness, or byusing opposing adjacent projections of unequal lengths.

FIG. 6 shows one possible embodiment of a precut blank that can befolded into a box as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The blank comprises a topwall 1, with associated side flaps 5 c, 6 c, a first side wall 3, withassociated side flaps 5 b, 6 b, a bottom wall 2, with associated sideflaps 5 a, 6 a, and a second side wall 4, with associated side flaps 5d, 6 d.In addition, the bottom wall 2 is provided with a narrow flap 7along its longitudinal side edge. Said narrow flap 7 is used forconnecting the bottom wall 2 and second side wall 4 when the blank iserected. The opening 10 and the two sets of opposing projections 11, 12,as described in connection with FIG. 2 can be seen in the top wall 1.

In an alternative embodiment, the opposing projections can be part of aninsert containing the cut or punched line defining the projections andthe cut-outs 13, 14, 15. Such an insert 20 would be attached to theunderside of the top wall 1, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 4d.For such an embodiment, the blank shown in FIG. 6 would simply beprovided with a cover section perforated around its periphery placed inthe top wall 1. This type of cover section is described further inconnection with FIG. 8 below. In a later step, before the blank iserected, the pre-cut insert is attached to the underside of the top wall1 by means of adhesive applied outside the periphery of the perforatedline of the cover section.

In both of the above embodiments, the side flaps are folded in to createan end wall 5, 6 at either end of the box in a conventional manner.

FIG. 7 shows one possible embodiment of a precut blank that can befolded into a box as shown in FIGS. 4 b and 5. The blank comprises anupper top wall 1 _(T), with associated side flaps 5 a, 6 a, a first sidewall 3, with associated side flaps 5 b, 6 b, a bottom wall 2, withassociated side flaps 5 c, 6 c, a second side wall 4, with associatedside flaps 5 d, 6 d, and a lower top wall 1 _(B), without side flaps.The upper top wall 1 _(T) and the lower top wall 1 _(B) must be indexedto ensure proper alignment of the projections, as the walls are attachedto each other when the blank is erected.

An upper opening 10 _(T) is provided with a first set of projections16′–16 ^(iv) and a cover section 18, as described in connection withFIGS. 4 b and 5, located in the upper top wall 1 _(T). As stated above,the cover section 18 has a shape corresponding to the combined surfaceof the second set of projections 17′–17 ^(iv) and the side and centralcut-outs 13, 14, 15. For obvious reasons, the cover section 18 is onlyattached to the upper top wall 1 _(T) by means of a perforated linefollowing the first set of projections 16, the cut-out sections 13, 14,15 and a curved line 10 a representing the edge of the opening 10. Thelower top wall 1 _(B) is provided with a lower opening 10 _(B) havingsubstantially the same basic shape as the upper opening 10 _(T). Saidlower opening 10 _(B) is provided with a second set of projections17′–17 ^(iv), which will fit between the first set of projections 16when the box is erected. The remaining part of the opening 10 _(B) isdefined by a line following the second set of projections 17′–17 ^(iv),the shape of the cut-out sections 13, 14, 15 and a curved line 10 drepresenting the edge of the opening 10 _(B) opposing the projections17′–17 ^(iv). This remaining part is cut out and removed before theblank is erected into a box.

In the above embodiment, the side flaps are folded in to create an endwall 5, 6 at either end of the box in a conventional manner.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the blank according to FIG. 7.This embodiment has been briefly described in connection with FIG. 4 c.As can be seen in FIG. 8, the blank is provided with five panels 1 _(T),1 _(B), 2, 3, 4, with associated side flaps 5 a–d, 6 a–d, as describedin connection with FIG. 7 above. The main difference over the embodimentof FIG. 7 is that the bottom top wall 1 _(B) is provided with two setsof opposing projections 11, 12, each with associated embossed foldinglines 10 a, 10 b, as described in connection with FIG. 2 above. Theupper top wall 1 _(T) is provided with a removable cover section or lidC, which is perforated around its outer periphery as indicated by theline 19. When the cover section C is removed from the upper top wall 1_(T), the opposed sets of projections 11, 12 and the embossed foldinglines 10 a, 10 b are exposed, as can be seen in FIG. 4 c. For thisreason the perforated line 19 is positioned so that it will be placed ashort distance outside c, that is between the embossed folding lines andthe outer edges of the lower top wall 1 _(B).

This distance between the perforated line 19 and the embossed foldinglines 10 a, 10 b depends on several parameters, such as the size of thebox, etc., but may be between a few millimetres up to a few centimetres.

In a further embodiment it is also possible to let the edge of theperforated line 19 fulfil the function of the embossed folding lines, sothat the edge determines the point at which the projections or fingerswill flex. In that case, the size and shape of the cover section wouldbe identical to that of the embossed folding lines shown in FIG. 4 c andFIG. 8. This would eliminate the embossing step of the manufacturingprocess.

The positioning means and its projections are made from cardboard, arelatively thin plastic material, or some other suitable material. Onone hand it must be sufficiently flexible to allow the user easy accessto the first top tissue-sheet, but on the other hand it must also besufficiently stiff to be able to support the tissue-sheet in asubstantially upright position. Examples of suitable materials areplastics, such as polyethylene, paper, metal foil or laminated or coatedmaterials e.g. polyethylene and paper. The choice of material depends onthe configuration of the dispensing opening, the configuration of theprojections and the type of tissue to be dispensed.

In a preferred embodiment the fingers are positioned substantially atright angles relative to the main longitudinal axis of the opening. Inorder to avoid interference between pairs of adjacent projections orfingers, it is important that they do not come into contact with eachother when raised to their active, dispensing, positions. The purpose ofthe projections is to achieve a controlled wrinkling of a tissue sheetto be dispensed, whereby the tissue sheet itself is supported by theindividual projections without any assistance from a gripping actionbetween adjacent projections.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b shows projections positioned with the main axes α atright angles relative to the main longitudinal axis X of the opening,with the projections having tapered (FIG. 9 a) and parallel sides (FIG.9 b) respectively. The desired function is achieved by means of afolding line either parallel to said longitudinal axis or following thegeneral edge of the opening (not shown). Such fingers or projections canbe identified by the fact that a perpendicular line Y₁ through thelongitudinal axis X at the point P₁ where the edges of a pair ofadjacent fingers cross said axis will not intersect said fingers. Inother words, said perpendicular line Y₁ will cross the outer edge ofeach finger only once. In FIG. 9 a it can be seen that the position ofthe folding line may be varied between a first folding line F₁perpendicular to the main X_(M) axis of the projection, and a secondfolding line F₂ perpendicular to a tangent T_(P) to a common point ofcontact between two edges. In this case the first folding line can bevaried an angle δ equal to the angle α of the main axis X_(M) of theprojection with respect to the longitudinal axis X minus the angle β ofthe tangent T_(P) with respect to the perpendicular line Y₁.

In the case of FIG. 9 b, the tangent T_(P) and the perpendicular linecoincides, which means that the folding line F₁ should be placed atright angles to the main axis X_(M) of the projection in order to avoidinterference.

FIG. 9 c shows a special case, wherein a tangent T_(P) to a common pointor line of contact between two edges coincides with said perpendicularline Y₁.

However, fingers or projections that are angled relative to the mainlongitudinal axis of the box may risk interference when raised to thedispensing position. Such fingers or projections can be identified bythe fact that a perpendicular line through the longitudinal axis at thepoint where a the edges of a pair of adjacent fingers cross said axiswill intersect said fingers. As shown in FIG. 9 d, said perpendicularline will cross the outer edge of each finger more than once. In suchcases the angle of the folding line, with respect to the main axis ofthe finger, may need to be adjusted.

For the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9 d, a first angleof the fingers is defined as the angle α between the longitudinal axis Xof the opening and a main axis X_(M), or centreline, through the currentfinger or projection. A second angle β, is equal to the angle betweenthe perpendicular line Y₁ and the tangent T_(P) for the current and anadjacent projection A third angle δ, is equal to the difference betweenthe first α and the second angle β, i.e. δ=(α−β). This third angle isthe range within which the folding line of the current projection can beadjusted without causing interference with the adjacent projection. InFIG. 9 d, a first folding line F₁ is shown at right angles to the mainaxis X_(M) of the projection, while a second folding line F₂ is rotatedan angle d relative to the first folding line F₁. The position of therespective folding lines F₁ and F₂ along the main axis X_(M) of theprojection is determined by the required stiffness and/or other desiredproperties of the projection.

The third angle δ, can vary from a minimum value of 0°, for parallelfingers, to a maximum value as said tangent. T_(P) approaches an angleof 90° to the longitudinal axis X of the opening. This third angle δwill always be less than said first angle α.

In a further preferred embodiment the fingers are angled between 60° and90° relative to the main longitudinal axis X of the opening.

Using fingers or projections having said first angles α arranged at lessthan said 60° is possible. However, due to side forces imposed on thefingers in the direction of the main longitudinal axis X of the openingby a tissue sheet being pulled from the box, interference betweenadjacent fingers may occur even if the above conditions are met.

In FIGS. 9 a–d the pairs of projections are drawn symmetrical forclarity. However, as can be seen from the previous figures, opposing,adjacent fingers or projections are not necessarily identical. For thisreason the position of the respective folding lines must be determinedindividually for each projection. This is especially true when aprojection is placed between a pair of adjacent projections.

Note also, that all angles referred to in the above text are measured inthe inactive position of the fingers or projections, unless otherwisespecified.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be variedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A container for a collection of interfolded tissue-sheets (T), saidcontainer comprising: a generally planar top wall (1); a bottom wall(2); side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) connecting said bottom wall (2) with saidtop wall (1); and an opening (10) provided in at least said top wall (1)for the removal of said tissue-sheets (T) from the container, said stack(T) of interfolded tissue-sheets being placed in said container with atleast a pair of edges of a lowermost tissue-sheet placed on said bottomwall (2) and an uppermost tissue-sheet (T1) placed near or in contactwith the top wall and adjacent to the opening in the top wall, whichopening (10) is provided with elongated, overlapping projections (11,12; 16′–16 ^(iv); 17′–17 ^(iv)) extending from opposite sides of theopening (10), wherein, each projection has a tip terminating theprojection before an edge of an opposing side of the opening, and thetips of adjacent projections extend past each other both in an inactiveposition, and wherein all projections are placed in the same or inparallel planes, and in an active dispensing position, wherein theprojections are raised upwards to grip a tissue.
 2. A containeraccording to claim 1, wherein said adjacent overlapping projections (11,12; 16′–16 ^(iv); 17′–17 ^(iv)) are arranged to extend past each otheron both sides of a tissue to impart a controlled wrinkling to saidtissue.
 3. A container according to claim 1, wherein said adjacentprojections (11, 12; 16′–16 ^(iv); 17′–17 ^(iv)) impart a substantiallywave-shaped cross-section to the tissue in the region of the tips.
 4. Acontainer according to claim 1, wherein said overlapping projections(11, 12; 16′–16 ^(iv); 17′–17 ^(iv)) are arranged opposite and at anangle (α) relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening (10) on bothsides of the dispensing opening (10).
 5. A container according to claim4, wherein the projections are angled between 60° and 90° relative tothe longitudinal axis of the opening (10).
 6. A container according toclaim 4, wherein the projections on the same side of the opening (10)are angled away from each other on either side of a central, transverseplane (Y) through the middle of the opening (10).
 7. A containeraccording to claim 6, wherein the angle (α) of the projections decreaseswith the distance from said transverse plane (Y).
 8. A containeraccording to claim 1, wherein the projections are positioned at rightangles relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening (10).
 9. Acontainer according to claim 1, wherein all projections are part of thetop wall and the projections are defined by a single cut line throughsaid top wall.
 10. A container according to claim 1, wherein a first setof projections (16′–16 ^(iv)) are part of an upper top wall (1 _(T)) anda second set of projections (17′–17 ^(iv)) opposing said first set, arepart of a lower top wall (1 _(B)) and the first and second sets ofprojections are defined by a single cut line through their respectivetop wall.
 11. A container according to claim 10, wherein a removablecover section (18) covering the set of projections (17′–17 ^(iv)) in thelower top wall (1 _(B)) has been cut in the upper top wall (1 _(T)). 12.A container according to claim 11, wherein the projections (17′–17^(iv)) in the lower top wall (1 _(B)) extend from an edge (10 c) of theopening in the upper top wall (1 _(T)), which edge is exposed when saidcover section has been removed.
 13. A container according to claim 1,wherein a first and a second set of projections (16′–16 ^(iv), 17′–17^(iv)) are part of a lower top wall (1 _(B)) and an upper top wall (1_(T)) is provided with a removable cover (C) over said projections. 14.A container according to claim 1, wherein all projections (2O′–2O^(iv),21′–21 ^(iv)) are part of an insert (N) attached to the underside of thetop wall (1) and the upper top wall (1 _(T)) is provided with aremovable cover (C) over said projections.
 15. A container according toclaim 1, wherein each projection (11, 12; 16′–16 ^(iv), 17′–17 ^(iv);20′–20 ^(iv), 21′–21 ^(iv)) is provided with an embossed folding line(10 a, 10 b, 10 d, 10 e) near or at the base of said projections.